1.

Introduction

Norit GL 50 is a powdered activated carbon widely used for the removal of dioxins/furanes,
mercury and other heavy metal traces from flue gases. It is used in a wide range of flue gas
treatment systems all over the world. This technical bulletin describes the characteristics of
Norit GL 50, a powdered activated carbon, in regard to the handling and operation of this
product. Safe operation of activated carbon products in a flue gas treatment is of major
importance. Therefore Norit has tested the Norit GL 50 according to general standards on
burning and explosion characteristics.

This technical bulletin describes technology and recommendations for Norit GL 50 based
on:
• 75 years of experience with the production, handling and transport of powdered
activated carbons.
• A wide range of references using Norit GL 50 in their flue gas treatment systems.
• Characteristics of powdered activated carbons in general and Norit GL 50 in particular.

The process of flue gas treatment with powdered activated carbon is divided in 4 steps and
will be treated separately regarding process description and recommendations.
• Transport of Norit GL 50
• Storage of Norit GL 50
• Injection of Norit GL 50
• Processing of Norit GL 50

2.Procedures for Measuring Safety Parameters

Standard procedures to determine the safety parameters of combustible materials are
defined in VDI 2263 part 1

In accordance with these directives, the German research institute "DMT-Gesellschaft für
Forschung und Prüfung mbH" (DMT) measured the burning and explosion characteristics of
Norit GL 50.

Additionally, DMT conducted proximate analyses conform DIN 51718 to 51720. The
measurements concern the properties of dispersed dust/air mixtures and stationary dust
layers, indicating the explosion properties and the burning behaviour, respectively.
The following explosion parameters were determined:
• Ignition temperature (°C);
• Lower explosion limit at 20 and 200 °C (g carbon/m3);
• Ignition energy at 20 and 200 °C (Joule);
• Maximum explosion pressure at 20 and 200 °C (bar);
• Maximum rate of pressure rise = Ks at 20 and 200 °C (bar/s).

Comprehensive descriptions of the testing procedures are given in appendix 1. The first
three parameters indicate the explosion hazard of the material, while the last two indicate
the consequences of an explosion.

Besides the ignition temperature, all explosion parameters were determined both at
20 and 200 °C, representing the temperature range for this application. It should be
realized that a dust explosion can only occur when each of the following conditions is met:
1. The dust cloud should contain at least the amount of dust as indicated by the lower
explosion limit;
2. The mixture should contain a sufficiently high oxygen partial pressure;
3. A sufficiently powerful ignition source or a surface with a sufficiently high temperature
must be available. The above mentioned explosion parameters become irrelevant if one of
these conditions is not met.

The burning behaviour of Norit GL 50 is determined using the following parameters:

• Burning behaviour class at 20 and 100 °C (class 1-6);
• Smolder temperature (°C);
• Auto-ignition temperature of various volumes (°C).

Comprehensive definitions of the testing procedures are presented in appendix 2. Table 1

contains the explosion and burning characteristics of Norit GL 50, as measured by DMT.
These results are used to indicate the limits wherein Norit GL 50 can be used safely in
different parts of the flue gas cleaning system.

3.Using Norit GL 50 in (Norit) Dosing and Cleaning Systems.

In this paragraph the practical implications of using powdered activated carbon (PAC) safely
in (Norit) dosing systems and flue gas cleaning will be given.

3.1. Transport of Norit GL 50.

At the following points PAC will be pneumatically transported:

• Filling the silo from a road tanker.
• Filling the hopper from the silo.
• After dosing the carbon, transport to the injection point.

In dynamic situations, such as during pneumatic transport of powders, the risk of

explosions is more eminent than the burning hazard. As indicated previously, explosions
are only possible when the dust concentration, the oxygen level and the ignition energy
reach certain levels. Therefore, at least one of these parameters must be eliminated to
obtain safe conditions.

Dust concentration.
During loading from road tanker to silo a maximum volume of 50 m3; will be discharged
into the silo in 1 to 2 hours. Transport of carbon is mostly continuous and is performed with
relatively little air. Therefore, the dust concentration in the tubing will be well above the
lower explosion limit. In the silo PAC will be filtered out by the silo filter. In the silo a PAC
cloud will be formed above the lower explosion limit.

Transport from the silo to the hopper takes place by dosing small amounts of PAC with a
rotating valve or an equivalent system. This way PAC is transported by gravity, thus creating
a lot of dust in the hopper. For a dust-free installation it must be assured that no dust will
enter the surrounding of the dosing installation. Rotating valves are not recommended as
they can create sparks. They also wear out in a short time since PAC is very abrasive.
The Norit dosing installation is essentially dust-free and with low maintenance. Norit uses
two pneumatically operated valves with rubber lining. The air-outlet of the hopper is so
constructed that overpressure is not possible and ensures that PAC cannot creep through
seals and connections. Norit does not use a hopper filter. A dosing screw running at low
speeds will be used to dose PAC to the transport line.

The dust concentration in the transport line can be calculated by dividing the dosing rate by
the amount of air used to transport PAC. The Norit dosing system uses low air supply to
transport the PAC. At a minimum of 33 m3/h and ambient temperature Norit GL 50 can be
transported safely as long as the transfer rate does not exceed 4 kg/h.

Oxygen level.
PAC transport is performed with air at a light overpressure. Typical pressures are between 0
- 0.5 barg. We assume that the oxygen level is normal during transport. The lower oxygen
level, indicating the minimum oxygen concentration required for explosions, is about 17 vol
% O2 at 20 °C for PAC.

Since air is used for transport of PAC, the actual oxygen level is sufficiently high to allow
explosions to take place.

Ignition energy.
At ambient temperatures dispersed Norit GL 50 dust cannot be ignited when the ignition
energy is below 5 - 10 kJ, or when it cannot come in contact with a surface hotter than 700
°C.

During transport of powders electrostatic charges can build up due to friction between the
powder and the tubing if one of the materials is not a conductor. Norit uses steel pipes in
the installation and PAC itself is by nature a very good conductor. Therefore no significant
electrostatic charge will accumulate. If other materials are used for the transport system,
higher electrostatic charges can be formed. However, the energy of electrostatic discharges
never exceeds 0.001 kJ.

This value is well below the minimum ignition energy of Norit GL 50. Since during transport
the dust concentration and the oxygen concentration will exceed their separate limits,
attention should be directed to the presence of possible ignition sources in the transport
system.

3.2. Storage of Norit GL 50

The burning behaviour of powders is important for stationary dust layers. If PAC is stored in
a silo or in large quantities the auto-ignition temperature must be taken in account. A
typical volume is approximately 50 m3; of PAC in a silo of 75 m3;. In figure 1 the logarithm
of the PAC volume, in cubical shape, is plotted against the reciprocal auto-ignition
temperature of Norit GL 50. Extrapolation of these results show that for a volume of 50 m3;
the auto-ignition temperature is 117 °C. Due to the silo shape the practical value will be
higher. Under the silo a small hopper is placed. Its volume is mostly between 0.1 and 0.4
m3. The auto-ignition temperature in the hopper will therefore be at least 170 °C.
In practice this means that external heat input during longer periods must not lead to
temperatures higher than the above given temperatures. If the silo is placed outside such a
heat input is almost impossible. All instruments and apparatus on the silo and hopper have
limited or no heat input. To prevent auto-ignition in the silo, the PAC may not be warm
when it is delivered to the customer. During transport of PAC from the road truck to the silo
a small increase of temperature due to friction and compressed air can be seen. Typical
values are 30 to 40 °C in the transport line. In the silo the air will be expanded to
atmospheric conditions. As air is expanded this will absorb energy and lower the
temperature. Also for fluidisation compressed air is blown in the PAC at the conus of the
silo. This is to enhance the flowing of PAC. As air is expanded in the eductor to transport
PAC from the dosing unit to the injection point, the temperature of the eductor will be
lowered, possible lower than 0 °C

3.3. Injection of Norit GL 50 in the flue gas line.

As already discussed in paragraph 2 and 3.1 during transport of PAC three parameters must
be met before explosion could occur.

Dust concentration
The amount of Norit GL 50 in flue gas lines is typically 50 - 150 mg/Nm;. This is well below
the lower explosion limit of 30,000 mg/m; at 200 °C. Recirculation of used PAC is also
possible. This will enlarge the amount of PAC in the flue gas line. However, the lower
explosion limit is not likely to be reached.

Oxygen level
The oxygen level in flue gas is lower than in the atmosphere. Typical values for oxygen
levels in flue gas lines are 9 - 11 vol. %. Below a certain oxygen level explosion cannot take
place. The lower oxygen level decreases when the temperature becomes higher. At 200°C
the lower oxygen level of PAC is 12 vol %.

Ignition energy
In flue gas lines typical temperatures are between 100 and 200 °C. These values are well
below the given ignition temperature of 700 °C. Therefore, ignition due to contact with hot
surfaces is unlikely. The minimum ignition energy of Norit GL 50 at 200 °C (0.1 - 1 kJ) is also
much higher than the amount of energy eventually released during electrostatic discharges.

3.4. Processing Norit GL 50 in the cleanable filter systems.

PAC is retained on the filter elements, accumulated between filter elements as a cloud and
gathered as a layer on the bottom of the filter system. In cleanable filter systems the
behaviour of PAC is both dynamic and static. Both situations should therefore be
anticipated and accounted for.

Most filter systems show a cross-flow of PAC falling down and flue gas going up. The
amount of dust will likely to be above the lower explosion limit. As seen in the last
paragraph the oxygen level is typical below the lower oxygen level. Explosion is therefore
not eminent. PAC retained on filter elements can be seen as a dust layer. The smoulder
temperature of PAC is above 450 °C. It is thought that PAC particles do not lead to local
combustion or glowing. The used PAC accumulated at the bottom of the filter is in most
systems transported to a holding vessel. Depending on the temperature, the PAC layer will
auto-ignite when its volume exceeds certain values. In figure 1 the relation between both
parameters is given for Norit GL 50.

4. Recommendations

As described in paragraph 3, Norit GL 50 is used in different circumstances throughout the

process of flue gas clean up.

• A dust cloud is seen under ambient conditions during the transport of Norit GL 50.
• Stationary dust layers under ambient conditions are seen in the silo or other storing
facilities.
• A dust cloud under process conditions is available during the injection of the Norit GL
50 in the flue gas clean up system.
• Stationary dust layers are available under process conditions in the cleanable filter and
in the storing facility of used Norit GL 50.

Based on our experiences, the burning and explosion characteristics and the process
descriptions, we have the following recommendations:

• The dosing and storing equipment should in principle be dust free.

• No source of electrical energy release, sparks or other temperature and energy sources
should be inside a dosing, a storing, a transport and/or a cleanable filter system.
• There should be no external source giving energy above the minimum ignition energy
or a temperature above the ignition temperature.
• When processing a Norit GL 50 volume the temperature should be maintained below
the auto-ignition temperature, corresponding with that volume.
• Safety regulations should be mentioned in the operation and maintenance manual.

5. Conclusion

If the design of the process equipment is in accordance with the characteristics of Norit GL
50, Norit GL 50 can be used safely in a flue gas clean up system. In this technical bulletin
several recommendations are presented that can be used to check the suitability of the
design.

6. Literature

1. VDI 2263 part 1: "Test methods for the determination of the safety characteristics of
dusts", may 1990;
2. "Brenn- und Explosionskenngrössen von Norit GL 50", Test report DMT, 16410/358/94
IRB- Bm/Ga, January 1994;
3. "Brenn- und Explosionskenngrössen von Norit GL 50", Test report DMT, 16410/363/93
IRB- Bm/Ga, April 1995;
4. W.Wiemann, "Rauchgasreinigung mit brennbaren Stäuben", VDI Berichte Nr. 975
(1992), 607.
5. C.J.M. van Wingerden, "Explosies", 38 HB Schadepreventie TNO, (1989) 1220-1;

Table 1:
Explosion and burning characteristics of Norit GL 50 as measured by DMT
Determination in accordance with VDI-Guideline 2263 part 1.

Table 1: Explosion and burning characteristics of Norit GL 50 as measured by DMT

Determination in accordance with VDI-Guideline 2263 part 1.

Sample 1 Norit GL50 Sample 2 Norit GL50

Particle size distribution (wt%)
< 200 μm 99 99
< 125 μm 95 93
< 71 μm 83 81
< 51 μm 76 71
< 34 μm 65 62
< 20 μm 49 50
Avg. particle size/d50 (μm) 22 20
Moisture (wt%) 11.9 4
Ash content (wt%) 8.1 7.3
Volatile content (wt%) 4.7 5.6
Ignition Temperature (°C) 700
Lower explosion limit (g/m3)
(at 20 °C) 125
(at 200 °C) 30
Minimum ignition energy (J)
(at 20 °C) 5000-10000
(at 200 °C) 100-1000
Maximum explosion pressure (bar)
(at 20 °C) 7.8
(at 200 °C) 4.8
Kst-value (bar-m/s)
(at 20 °C) 40
(at 200 °C) 53
Burning behaviour (class) 1
(at 20 °C) 1
(at 200 °C) 2
Dust explosion (class) 2
Smolder temperature (°C) >450
Auto ignition temperature (°C)
Test volume (cm3)
400 280
3200 240
6400 230
12800 220

*1 = no ignition; 2= brief ignition and rapid extinction

*2 St1 : Kst – value 0 to 200 bar m/s
St2 : Kst – value 200 to 300 bar m/s
St3 : Kst – value >300 bar m/s
Appendix 1: Definitions of Explosion Test Parameters.

Lower explosion limit/ Ignition energy/ Maximum explosion pressure/Maximum rate of

pressure rise (Kst)

A dust sample is explosible when the spreading of combustion is observed accompanied by

an increase of pressure after ignition of a dust/air mixture in a closed vessel. Normally dust
samples are dispersed with 5 l. of air, expanding from 20 bar in a 1 m3 cylinder-shaped
vessel (according to VDI 3673), after 0.6 s followed by the ignition of two 10 kJ chemical
igniters. The maximum explosion pressure and maximum rate of pressure rise (Kst) are
measured with various dust concentrations. The highest measured values for these
parameters are reported. The lower explosion limit indicates the dust concentration at
which no explosion is observed in three subsequent tests with an ignition delay time of 0.3
s.
The ignition energy is defined as the lowest amount of energy required to ignite a dust/air
mixture with the most explosible composition at atmospheric pressure.
.
Ignition temperature
The ignition temperature describes the ignitibility of raised dust on hot surfaces. In an
electrically heated, vertically-piped oven (length 400 mm, inside diameter 36 mm) a dust
sample is blown in by a blast of air. By a systematic variation of the air quantity (volume=
50-300 cm3 or pressure= 1.1-1.6 bar) the most ignitable dust concentration is covered. The
ignition temperature is the lowest oven temperature at which dust/air mixtures ignite with
a closed flame.

Appendix 2: Definitions of Burning Behaviour Parameters.

Burning behaviour class

The burning behaviour class describes if and to what extent a fire started by an external
source will propagate in a dust layer. The dust sample is deposited as a strip approximately
4 cm long and 2 cm wide (volume approx. 15 ml). A glowing platinum wire - between 900
and 1000 °C hot - is inserted for a short period of time into one end of the strip. The
burning behaviour of the dust sample is described with classes from 1 to 6 characterized as
followed:
1= No ignition;
2= Brief ignition and rapid extinction;
3= Localized combustion or glowing with practically no spreading;
4= Glowing without sparks (smoldering) or slow decomposition without flame;
5= Burning with flame or spark generation;
6= Very rapid combustion with flame propagation or rapid decomposition without flame.
Smolder temperature
The smolder temperature describes the flammability of flat dust layers on a hot surface. A
circular shaped sample (diameter 100 mm) is deposited as a 5 mm thick layer in the middle
of a pre-heated aluminium plate. The smolder temperature is the lowest plate temperature
at which in a two-hours period parts of the sample start smoldering.

Auto-ignition temperature
Auto-ignition is defined as the process in which a dust layer is ignited when heated from all
sides in the presence of air. The dust sample is deposited in a cylinder (height equals
diameter) made of wire cloth with a volume of at least 400 cm3, and is kept at a constant
temperature in an oven for at least 48 hours. The oven is ventilated with 240 l/h of pre-
heated air. During the testing period the temperature of the dust sample is continuously
registered. The auto-ignition temperature is the highest temperature at which auto-
ignition does not take place. Auto-ignition temperatures should be reported together with
the shape and volume of the dust layer, since these parameters affect the results